Discrimination has no place in Bermuda — which is why Government is urging the Island to unite in recognising the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The movement was implemented by the United Nations in 1966 after in 1960, Police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid 'pass laws' in Sharpville, South Africa.

Bermuda will be observing the day on Thursday, which will be officially kicked off by a commemorative event at the Bermuda Society of Arts at the City Hall from 12.30 to 2 p.m.

Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation, the event will see people coming together to highlight numerous efforts underway to bring about the demise of discrimination of any kind.

Proclaiming the Day in 1966, the United Nations General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.

A variety of committed groups and individuals, including the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality (CURE), Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda (CURB) and representatives from the Bermuda Race Relations Initiative (BRRI), will be in attendance to give presentations.

Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation, Dale Butler and Junior Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation, Senator Thaao Dill will also be attending this event.

A news release yesterday said CURE is honoured to commemorate this day by heightening awareness of Bermuda's commitment to promoting good relations between racial groups in practical and progressive ways, working toward the elimination of racial discrimination and institutional racial discrimination in Bermuda.

The commemoration invites individuals and the country as a whole to learn more about and to contribute to progress in race relations.

The event is free and refreshments will be available.

For more information contact the CURE office at 296-0613 or via email at sclifford@gov.bm